Belize ranks as the 48th smallest country in the world and by population, Belize ranks the smallest country in Central America, with just over 350,000 people. The country of Belize itself is also small— it’s not much larger in size than the U.S. state of Massachusetts and measures 8,865 square miles. It’s 160 miles long and 68 miles wide also falls with the lowest population density in the Americas.
What is most fascinating about Belize, is that this tiny country packs an unbelievable number of features into a small location. Indeed, this makes moving around easy and convenient for vacationers, especially if they only have a few days off. Equally surprising, all major airlines fly to Belize and most major U.S. hubs are less than 3 hours away from Belize. Being easy to get to and easy to get around, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your holiday!
Here’s the top list of features (to name a few) that make this little country full of natural wonders.
- Home to 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Belize’s Barrier Reef is alive and thriving. In fact, in June 2018, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) was removed from the UNESCO World Heritage Center list of World Heritage sites in Danger.
- Home to world-famous Great Blue Hole, which is one of the top 20 wonders of the underwater world.
- You can swim with sharks, turtles and stingrays in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye at Shark Ray Alley or offshore Placencia at the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve.
- Belize is the only country in Central America with English as a first language – which means for North American travelers, there’s no miscommunication while on vacation.
- Belize has first Jaguar preserve in the world – The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
- 1000– footfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo is one of the tallest waterfalls throughout all of Central America.
- Belize was home to the largest concentration of Mayan Civilization and thus, remains the address to over 900 Maya Sites throughout the country. Some of the most popular sites visited throughout Belize are Lamanai, Altun Ha, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Caracol, and Nim Li Punit.
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave) in Cayo District is known for its vast, complex network of underground cavities and is the most popular cave experience in Belize, but is also not for the weak of heart, but for the adventurous spirit.
- With only 4 main highways throughout the entire country, it’s one of the few places in the Americas where you can drive from the north tip to the southern tip in one day.
